Top things to do in Northeast Missouri

When traveling to St. Louis Missouri, you will find there are a great many wonderful things to do.  This "show me" state definitely has a lot to show you.  From the arts, to education to just general fun there is no loss of things to do in the area.  Here are some that are sure winners. 

The Gateway Arch is probably one of the first that will come to your mind.  This is located in downtown St. Louis area, and is officially called Gateway Arch and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.  Then we have the famous St. Louis Zoo, which you cannot miss.  The Katy Trail is beloved by many and goes all the way from St. Charles Missouri to Sedalia.  One of my all time favorites it the Missouri Botanical Garden also located in St. Louis and I will go into more detail on that in a bit.  

For children you have everything from the City Museum, to the St. Louis Science Center and the Magic House in Kirkwood.  If you still haven't had your fill, make sure to check into Grants Farm in Affton, or Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka.  Some other favorites include Hannibal, Purina Farms in Gray Summit, and Mark Twain Lake in Stoutsville.   Please see more below as I go into a bit  more detail. 

If you do no other thing while visiting or vacationing in Northeast Missouri, this would have to be it.  The St. Louis Arch, also known as the Gateway Arch is just an amazing structure to behold.  The panels on the base of it are massive, and its much larger than I imagined when I first visited St. Louis years ago for a convention.  The grounds surrounding the Arch are just beautiful.  Tree lined walks leading up to the arch from the parking area make it a lovely spot to picnic or rest or exercise.  Visitors from all over the world come to see the arch and there are many larger events there during the year. 

There is  museum on the inside base of the arch area.  You will find all kinds of interesting things to view, and there is a little shop as well if you care to get souvenirs.  From postcards to gifts to books that share a more in depth history of the area.  When I was there I found many items I hope to go back and get one day as I get the chance. There are restrooms and snacks available as well. There are local areas to eat if that is something you are looking for.

There is a little elevator to ride up into the arch.  From what I hear, its a very memorable experience, and even more so if it is a windy day!  The arch can sway a bit, which is good so that it can have a bit of "give" when the stormy days may come.  Its a magnificent structure and so rich with history.

This zoo is just amazing, and it is free to the public.  A friend from Texas once told me that she and some family members made a trip out of finding out some free things to do in St. Louis, and proceeded to have a wonderful time together.  This was one of the things on the list.  The Zoo is known world over, and has quite a vast array of animals.  You will definitely get some great exercise, and if it should be raining outside, that is no problem for there are many exhibits and animals to see in sheltered buildings.

There are some things that stand out, like the Penguin exhibit, the reptiles, the birds, the polar bear, the apes and so much more.  There is a neat little train that you can ride as well, but it does cost a little bit extra.  There are places to eat when you go to the zoo, and plenty of restrooms and little shops to visit. 

One of the things I loved most when visiting the zoo, ironically, were all the beautiful flowers and landscaping everywhere.  It may have been the time of year, but I was very impressed.  There is nothing quite like viewing these animals that are just such incredible creatures.  The workers at the zoo seem to truly love the animals, and take great joy in caring for them from what I have seen and heard.  This makes me happy because I love animals, and can't bear the idea of them being in a situation they were not happy with themselves. This zoo is a must see if you ever get the chance.

The botanical gardens in St. Louis literally blew my mind when I first went on a visit to Missouri.  I kid you not you could spend a full day there, and still not really fully cover all that is offered at these amazing gardens.  The land that it sits on is vast, and well kept from a long time ago, and the architecture alone throughout is something worth seeing.  The gardens are not free, but more than worth what you pay to go to see.

You will find beautiful sculptures and water throughout the gardens.  There are Chinese and Japanese Gardens, a Rose Garden, a Childrens Garden that is quite exquisite and a lot of fun for them.  There are home gardens, and educational centers where you can learn much more.  There is a climatron, where all kinds of beautiful and exotic plants and flowers and trees grow.  St. Louis Botanical garden has pretty much any type of garden you can imagine.  With fountains and ponds, and beauty throughout, this is right up there with the  must sees in the Northeast Missouri area.  

The little restaurant and gift shop they have are just amazing. They sell little plants, succulents and all kinds of seeds and things for the garden. They also sell all kinds of beautiful gifts, and books and orchids even.  I was very impressed and hope to go and see it again some time in the future.  Its a very happy and inspiring place.